Description
This Strawberry Jalapeño Jam offers a deliciously sweet and spicy twist on classic homemade strawberry jam. Perfect for adding vibrant flavor to your favorite dishes, this easy recipe produces a large batch ideal for canning and long-term storage.
Ingredients
Scale
Jam Ingredients
- 4 cups crushed strawberries
- 1 cup minced jalapeño peppers
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 ounces powdered fruit pectin (1 packet)
- 7 cups white sugar
Canning Supplies
- 8 half-pint canning jars with lids and rings
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the crushed strawberries, minced jalapeño peppers, lemon juice, and powdered fruit pectin. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Add Sugar and Boil: Once the mixture is simmering, stir in the sugar until fully dissolved. Return the jam to a full boil and cook for 1 minute to activate the pectin, ensuring the jam will set properly.
- Sterilize Jars: While the jam cooks, sterilize the canning jars and lids by boiling them in water for at least 5 minutes. This step is crucial for safe preservation.
- Fill Jars: Carefully pack the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Use a knife or thin spatula to remove any air bubbles inside the jars. Wipe the rims clean to ensure a good seal.
- Seal Jars: Place the lids on the jars and screw on the rings until fingertip tight to prepare for water bath processing.
- Process Jars in Water Bath: Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil. Using a jar lifter, carefully lower the filled jars into the boiling water, keeping 2 inches of space between jars. Make sure the water covers the jars by at least 1 inch. Boil and process covered for 10 minutes to properly seal and preserve the jam.
- Cool and Store: Remove the jars from the water bath and set them on a cloth-covered or wooden surface, spacing them several inches apart. Let them cool undisturbed overnight. Once cooled, press down on each lid to check the seal; lids should not move up or down. Store jars in a cool, dark place for best quality.
Notes
- Adjust jalapeño quantity to control the heat level of your jam.
- Ensure jars and lids are properly sterilized to avoid spoilage.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place; refrigerate after opening.
- Allow the jam to rest for at least 24 hours before opening to let the flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: strawberry jam, jalapeño jam, homemade jam, spicy fruit jam, strawberry preserves, canning recipe, fruit preserves
